Some days ago I had dinner with a new acquaintance here at Charlestown.  He seems to be a fine fellow, and I enjoyed conversing with him. 

We soon discovered that we were on opposite sides in our views on politics and the cultural war going on in our nation.  Though he is neither gay nor transgender, he provides unstinting support to the LGBT+ community in their quest for social acceptance.

He describes himself as a Christian liberal, but I’m not entirely certain what he meant by that.  I asked him if his church subscribes to the Apostles Creed, but he said they used no creeds except Christ.  As for his strong support of the LGBT community, he believes that homosexuals are hard-wired in their sexual orientation and activity, therefore they should be accepted the way they are. I had no opportunity to question him about his thoughts about bisexuality and transgenderism. I hope to talk to him again in order to better understand his thinking.

His ”hard-wired” comment was interesting, because it brings up the question of free-will.  How much choice does one have?  Are some people born gay?  Are some persons born psychopathic with a proclivity toward violence? A hard-wired concept is the antithesis of free will.

Free will is the ability of people to choose between different possible courses of action and exercise control over their actions in a way necessary for society to assign moral responsibility. Without free will, how can we hold anyone accountable for their actions?

I believe in free will.  Unless mentally impaired by injury or disease, I believe that all people are free to make choices, and God gives each person freedom of action based upon the limits imposed by one’s situation, talents, and opportunities. I also believe that there is always a correct choice, one based on a God-given standard.

I hope you find this subject interesting.  I intend to explore it further in future posts.